In their “prophetic acts” the prophets speak with artful, transformative, “visible words”—inspired, dramatic non-verbal communication. Rarely were these acts destructive or widely disruptive. Such an act is “a poetic, sacramental gesture” and “makes an assault on presently construed reality, and stakes out a power-laden expectation for the future that works in the imagination of the observing community” (Brueggemann). At God’s behest, Jeremiah makes an investment of radical hope: buying property in Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. Why? “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.” What are we investing in that’s an expression of hope against hope?
Lent season is upon us! Use this time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us.
